As I write this blog our numerous pairs of swallows are frantically flying, in search of food, in our main court yard. The birds are adding the final touches to their nests in the tunnel and in the toilets, though the pair in the arc of the visitor centre window have completed their masterpiece of construction! Apart from the swallows there are plenty of birds on the reserve including the rare male ring-necked duck, at least 30 gadwall, a few wigeon and great crested and little grebe are all on the flood. On the flood's island there are three oyster catcher chicks learning the vital skills of feeding from their mum and dad.A couple of herons have also been moving around the reserve in search of their dinner, fish.
Today has been the firsty Saturday that young gulls can be seen poking their speckled head out from many of the gull nests on St Serfs. Though most of the chicks are still sitting in the safety and warmth, under their parents, it will not be long until they take a stroll in their new world. There are also a few pairs of barnacle, pink footed and greylag geese still on the island that have not continued on their regular migration.
Up vane hill there are many meadow pipits (pictured) flying around and only perching for short periods of time. Also there was a single whitethroat, a new bird for me at Vane.
The list could on and on as the reserve is full of wildlife. Check the blog nest week to see what interesting wildlife has turned up!